30 ex-NPA rebels receive livelihood assistance

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Thirty former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels each received P65,000 in livelihood assistance on Friday.

Capt. Jasper Gacayan, spokesman for the 401st Infantry Brigade (IB), said the assistance is under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the Departments of the Interior and Local Government and Social Welfare and Development. 

“We are appealing to our NPA brothers and sisters to come down and avail themselves of the livelihood program and live peacefully,” Col. Alexander Macario, 401st IB commander, said.

DILG Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento and Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza as well as military and barangay officials attended the awarding ceremony held at the provincial capitol.